Orlando Pirates legend Steve Lekoelea has praised coach Abdeslam Ouaddou for finally playing Evidence Makgopa ahead of Yanela Mbuthuma.
The Buccaneers have struggled to find goals from their striker, with their attacking midfielders and wingers providing most goals.
Mbuthuma and Makgopa have only scored just 10 league goals between them.
In the past two matches, Ouaddou have opted to start with Ngwana Sesi upfront and the striker netted against Chippa United.
“I’m happy the Pirates coach finally saw the light and started the game with Makgopa,” Lekoelea told KickOff.
“So, yesterday [Wednesday] he started and won the game for us and even scored.”
“We would be talking a different story as far as the league race is concerned if he started in all those matches.”
Lekoelea said the Buccaneers have the momentum on their side as they battle Mamelodi Sundowns for the league.
“But I’m happy the coach has finally realised his Mbuthuma mistake,” he added.
“After the win, this season’s league title race has become even tighter, unlike last season, where Mamelodi Sundowns won it with five games left.”
Lekoelea said the Buccaneers needed to win their remaining matches to win the league.
“There are only 5km left to the finish line,” he said.
“Sundowns are dangerous with only a few games remaining.
“Pirates need to win all three remaining games to be on the safe side because Sundowns have good players who can easily win all three of their remaining matches.”